The Mark Gaffarena scandal has seen another turn, the PN said at a press conference in Bahar ic-Caghaq today, right off the Coast Road.
PN MPs Jason Azzopardi, Marthese Portelli and Ryan Callus were present. Dr Azzopardi explained that two adjacent properties were given to Gaffarena as part of government's deal in Old Mint Street. The first, they said, was valued by the government at quarter of a million euros, however independent architects valued it at half a million euros. The second part given last April was estimated by government to be worth €70,000 when independent architects said it was worth €150,000. He stressed that there are developers, according to media reports, who have valued the land at €2 million.
He also said that "this means the second property was purposely chosen as the transition of the first property had occurred previously, and was chosen only as it touches the other property". He said that when two properties lie right next to each other it raises the value.
Marthese Portelli argued that the properties are on the edge of an ODZ area, adding that the view from the area is beautiful. She questioned whether the properties would be used to construct a large villa or a wedding hall.
"It is obvious that these properties were specifically selected," she said, adding that the total area of the land given to Gaffarena is 5,400m2. She added that the total size of property given by government has thus far proven to be seven times larger than the Ta' Qali ground.
For his part, Ryan Callus made reference to a statement by the Prime Minister. "He said that he has questions. The department in question is directly under his Ministry. He is no longer a Super One Journalist and must give answers as both the Minister responsible and as the Prime Minister". He said that thus far three scandals have occurred which are related to land: Australia Hall, Cafe Premier and now this.
The Internal Audit and Investigations Department, which falls under the remit of the Office of the Prime Minister, has been tasked by the government to investigate the Old Mint Street property expropriation scandal after the Nationalist Party wrote to the Auditor General asking him to also investigate the case. Mr Gaffarena made a hefty profit after buying half of a Valletta property that the government was planning on expropriating, allegedly after being tipped off by someone in government.
The MPs again questioned the idea of Castille investigating Castille, calling for the Auditor General to investigate. Dr Azzopardi made clear that he has no problem with an internal investigation, however there is no investigator higher than the Auditor General who responds solely to Parliament and thus should also investigate.
Asked by this newsroom what the PN hopes would happen if it emerges that there was abuse, Dr Azzopardi said that "We will take it from there". He said that it is a criminal offense if inside information was given to someone and used. "We requested the Auditor General to look into the case".
Also questioned as to what the PN would do should they be elected and nothing would have been then, he said "lets take it step by step, lets see the Auditor General's report. We went to the AG as we trust the AG and remind you that the Prime Minister does not trust the AG. A few weeks ago there was another controversy in the media where the Lands Department refused to give access to the AG to files for another investigation requested by the Opposition on the GWU premises".
Photos Michael Camilleri